CAN you believe it? A classic winner bought for just €18,000 as a yearling in Goffs from one of the most successful breeders in Ireland. Yes, that is the story of Channel, the only horse in training owned by Samuel de Barros and another big race success for trainer Francis-Henry Graffard.

Admittedly she made a figure somewhat closer to her value when she resold as a two-year-old at Arqana for €70,000. As a yearling she went through the ring at Kill and was retained by Pat O’Kelly of Kilcarn Stud, the yearling’s breeder. Auctioneer Nick Nugent subsequently negotiated a private sale for the daughter of multiple Group 1 winner Enable’s sire Nathaniel (Galileo) to Meridian International.